No. 4.] REPORT OF SECRETARY. xxiii 



expense over ten years ago, when the work of the Board was at 

 its most efficient point, the greatly increased territory infested, 

 and the fact that nothing can now be hoped for in the way of 

 extermination, all show what a terrible mistake was made by 

 the Legislature which stopped the work and allowed these in- 

 sects free sway. The appropriation from the United States 

 government was increased from $82,500 to $150,000, showing 

 that the national authorities are fully alive to the importance of 

 the work and the danger to be feared from the unrestricted 

 spread of these insects. The report of the committee on gypsy 

 moth, insects and birds will be laid before the Board in due 

 course of business, and there is nothing which I care to add at 

 this time. 



Crop Reports. 

 The publication of the monthly crop reports, for the six 

 months from May to October, was carried on along the usual 

 lines. The special articles printed in these reports were: "Corn 

 as a grain crop in Massachusetts," by Prof. Wm. P. Brooks; 

 "Plum culture in Massachusetts," by Prof. F. A. Waugh; 

 "Hatching and rearing of chicks by natural methods on the 

 farm," by John H. Robinson; "Bee keeping: some suggestions 

 for its advancement in Massachusetts," by Burton N. Gates, 

 A.M.; "Statutory bird protection in Massachusetts," by Ed- 

 ward Howe Forbush; and " Greenhouse pests and their control," 

 by H. T. Fernald, Ph.D. Individual requests for these reports 

 continuing unabated over former years, the edition was increased 

 from 4,700 to 4,900 during the year. Most of the editions are 

 practically exhausted, and reprints of the special articles will 

 be issued with the publication of the annual report. Five hun- 

 dred extra copies of the report for September, containing Mr. 

 Forbush's article on "Statutory bird protection in Massachu- 

 setts," were issued, and proved insufficient to meet the demand. 

 Suggestions as to timely articles for these reports will always be 

 appreciated, as we desire to maintain this line of work at the 

 highest point of efficiency. 



